The Atiku Media Office has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under serious threat, accusing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of pursuing a calculated agenda to weaken opposition parties and impose what it described as a de facto one-party state.
In a press release issued on Tuesday by Paul Ibe, Media Aide to Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, he said Nigerians have endured nearly three years of economic hardship and shrinking democratic space under the current administration.
The statement said the Tinubu-led government has not only implemented “punishing economic policies” but has also systematically undermined opposition parties, leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the dominant force “by default, not by merit.”
According to the release, patriotic leaders identified the danger early and rallied around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the nucleus of a credible national alternative.
Ibe accused individuals aligned with the Presidency of attempting to destabilise the ADC by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly over the choice of its presidential candidate.
He warned that any call for Atiku to step aside—whether openly or covertly—amounts to aiding authoritarian ambitions and betraying Nigerians.
Atiku’s aide maintained that the ADC remains open to all genuine opposition figures, noting that inclusiveness—not coercion—is the foundation of democracy.
He said: “Let it be stated plainly: the ADC is on a national rescue mission. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this effort. Any call—overt or covert—for Atiku to “step aside” is a gift to authoritarian ambition and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
“The ADC has consistently affirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process for selecting its flagbearer. APC proxies and external meddlers have no standing to intimidate, blackmail, or sabotage this democratic resolve.
“At present, the ADC is focused on building strong ward, local government, and state structures nationwide. Disruptors and infiltrators must allow the party to do this essential work without interference.
“The party remains open and welcoming to all genuine opposition figures. This inclusiveness—not coercion—is the soul of democracy.
“When the time comes, all qualified aspirants will present themselves freely. No one is stepping down. If anyone should step aside, it is President Tinubu—whose leadership has become a national liability.
“The recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, the political heartbeat of the Southeast, triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the party. Their fear is evident.
“Let there be no ambiguity: the ADC is determined to end the misfortune imposed by the Tinubu-led APC. No amount of intimidation, intrigue, or sabotage will derail this rescue mission.
“Nigeria will not surrender its democracy without a fight.”